June is proving to be a bit full on.
First came my preaching trip to Sweden. Having been used to several such trips overseas every year, since 2008 I've been resolute in staying at home. I was a little nervous at this trip, but I was returning to somewhere I knew and among friends - all was well in the end. The highlights for me were the prayer ministry times, when many people came and shared their requests.
Last Wednesday, I had the joy of going down to a meeting at St Ninian's, Prestwick where I am interim priest, following the retiral of my friend and mentor, Philip Noble. He and his wife Ros will be sorely missed after their twenty eight year ministry there. It was lovely to enter the building I know so well and see the people listening and talking to the Lord about their hopes for the future ministry there.
Last weekend brought a return visit by the young people of Tranemo, Sweden. A finer group of young people you couldn't hope to meet. I particularly enjoyed the game of 'Samurai' we played in church after the service on Sunday night. Sunday also brought our Gift Day, when we seek to give thanks to God by giving again. St Silas' people have given so sacrificially over the last few years in order that our new building be realised - it's tough going back to them to ask for more. Yet we did just that, trusting that the Lord of the cattle on a thousand hills will supply our needs. The slight variation this time is our need to replace the church boilers - I've been rector sixteen years this month and I saw the present boilers being installed in 1996! This is getting a little scary....
The rectory is up for sale and this evening I had a couple viewing. Turns out the wife is expecting her baby today - I was prepared to deliver if necessary. Much of today was spent tidying, cleaning decluttering. Maybe they'll be the ones who buy?
Thursday means me representing the diocese at General Synod until Saturday, then on Sunday it's down to St Ninian's, Prestwick for their Pentecost service, followed by me spending much of the afternoon getting wet at the 'Sponge The Vicar' stall outside St Silas' (part of our contribution to the Gibson Street Gala). I love the variety my 'job' offers!
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